Estimating the location of a reference radio in a multi-story building and using the estimated location of the reference radio to estimate the location of a wireless terminal

ABSTRACT

A location engine uses the empirical measurements made by a scouting wireless terminal (i) to discover the existence of a reference radio within a geographic region; (ii) to generate an estimate of the location of the newly-discovered reference radio, and (iii) to generate an estimate of the transmission power of the downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by the newly-discovered reference radio. The location engine then uses: (i) the estimate of the location of the newly-discovered reference radio, and (ii) the estimate of the transmission power of the downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by the newly-discovered reference radio, and (iii) measurements, made by a user wireless terminal, of the power of each of the downlink control channel radio signals transmitted by each of the reference radios to generate an estimate of the location of the user wireless terminal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of:

-   -   (i) U.S. Patent Application 62/879,527, entitled “Estimating the         Location of a Reference Radio in a Geographic Region and Using         the Estimated Location of the Reference Radio to Estimate the         Location of a Wireless Terminal,” filed on Jul. 28, 2019, which         is incorporated by reference; and     -   (ii) U.S. Patent Application 62/885,343, entitled “Estimating         the Location of a Reference Radio in a Geographic Region and         Using the Estimated Location of the Reference Radio to Estimate         the Location of a Wireless Terminal,” filed on Aug. 12, 2019,         which is incorporated by reference.

This application is related to:

-   -   (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,039, entitled         “Estimating the Location of a Reference Radio and Using the         Estimated Location of the Reference Radio to Estimate the         Location of a Wireless Terminal”, filed on Jul. 26, 2020, which         is incorporated by reference; and     -   (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,040, entitled         “Estimating the Excess Path Loss Inside of a Building and Using         the Estimates of Excess Path Loss to Estimate the Location of a         Wireless Terminal”, filed on Jul. 26, 2020, which is         incorporated by reference; and     -   (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,041, entitled         “Estimating the Location of a Footprint of Building and Using         the Footprint to Estimate the Location of a Wireless Terminal”,         filed on Jul. 26, 2020, which is incorporated by reference; and     -   (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,042, entitled         “Estimating the Location of a Reference Radio Based on the         Signals Transmitted by a Multi-Band Radio Transmitter”, filed on         Jul. 26, 2020, which is incorporated by reference; and     -   (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,043, entitled         “Integrated Estimation of the Location of a Plurality of         Reference Radios”, filed on Jul. 26, 2020, which is incorporated         by reference.

If there is any inconsistency between the language in one or more of these applications and this specification, the language in this specification prevails for the purposes of interpreting this specification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications in general and, more particularly, to a method of using radio signals to generate an estimate of the location of a wireless terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless telecommunications (e.g., cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) are a staple for the communication of voice, text, video, and multimedia. The salient advantage of wireless telecommunications over wireline telecommunications is that wireless telecommunications affords mobility to the user. On the other hand, the mobility is a double-edge sword in that it is a disadvantage to any entity that has a legitimate interest in being able to quickly and accurately ascertain the location of the wireless terminal or its user.

Such interested entities can include:

-   -   (i) the wireless terminal itself, or     -   (ii) the user of the wireless terminal, or     -   (iii) a remote person, remote terminal, or a remote data         processing system.         There are a variety of reasons why the wireless terminal itself         might be interested in knowing its own location. For example,         the wireless terminal might comprise a navigation application         that provides its user with driving directions. If the wireless         terminal was not able to ascertain its own location, it could         not know how to navigate to another location.

There are a variety of reasons why the user of the wireless terminal might be interested in knowing his or her own location. For example, the user might want to record the latitude and longitude of his or her location for future reference. Or the user might want to tell a friend where he or she is.

And finally, there are a variety of reasons why a remote entity, a remote terminal, or a remote data processing system might be interested in knowing the location of the wireless terminal (and/or its associated user). For example, the police who receive a 9-1-1 emergency call are interested in knowing the location of the wireless terminal so that they can dispatch first responders to the scene.

The hardware and software that generates an estimate of the location of a wireless terminal is known as a “location engine.” The hardware and software composing the location engine can reside:

-   -   (i) entirely within the wireless terminal, or     -   (ii) entirely outside the wireless terminal in a remote         terminal, server, or data processing system, or     -   (iii) partially within the wireless terminal and partially         within one or more remote terminals, one or more servers, or         data processing systems.         An automobile GPS receiver is a well-known example of a wireless         terminal whose location engine resides entirely within the         wireless terminal.

As a radio signal propagates through space, some traits of the signal are the same at each point in space (e.g., the frequency of the radio signal, etc.). These are the location-independent traits of a radio signal. In contrast, some traits of the radio signal do vary at each point in space (e.g., the signal strength of the radio signal, the delay spread of the radio signal, etc.). These are the location-dependent traits of the signal. Typically, the location-dependent traits of a signal vary, for example, based on:

-   -   (i) the distance from the transmitter to the point, and     -   (ii) the direction from the transmitter to the point (with         respect to the transmitter's antenna pattern), and     -   (iii) the radio-frequency environment in the regions of space in         the vicinity of the point, the transmitter, and the path from         the transmitter to the point.

There are four general techniques in the prior art for estimating the location of a wireless terminal based on the measurement of one or more location-dependent traits of one or more reference radio signals that are transmitted between the wireless terminal and one or more reference radios. The four techniques are:

-   -   (i) radio-signal identification,     -   (ii) radio-signal direction finding,     -   (iii) radio-signal range finding, and     -   (iv) radio-signal pattern matching.         Each will be described in turn.

Radio-Signal Identification—As a matter of physics, the locally-averaged signal strength (hereinafter “power”) of a radio signal decreases as the distance from the transmitter increases. When the radio-frequency environment is free of radio-frequency obstacles, the decrease is smooth. In contrast, when the radio-frequency environment comprises radio-frequency obstacles, the power generally—but not always—decreases as the distance from the transmitter increases. In either case, if a radio signal is transmitted at a first power and is received at or above a second power, then it can be logically deduced that the transmitter is within a fixed distance of the receiver. This technique, and variations on it, are sometimes colloquially called “cell ID,” “ECID,” and “enhanced cell ID.”

Radio-signal identification can be used to estimate the location of a cell phone at an unknown location in, for example, the following manner. A downlink radio signal at a first power is transmitted from a cell tower (i.e., a reference radio), which is at a known location. If the cell phone (i.e., the wireless terminal) can receive the downlink signal at or above a second power, then it can be logically deduced that the cell phone is within a fixed distance of the cell tower.

Conversely, if an uplink radio signal at a first power is transmitted by a cell phone at an unknown location and received by a cell tower at a known location at or above a second power, then it can also be logically deduced that the cell phone is within a fixed distance of the cell tower.

Radio-signal identification can also be used to estimate the location of a WiFi-enabled device at an unknown location in, for example, the following manner. A downlink radio signal at a first power is transmitted by a WiFi Access Point (i.e., a reference radio), which is at a known location. If a WiFi-enabled device (i.e., the wireless terminal) can receive the downlink signal at or above a second power, then it can be logically deduced that the that the WiFi-enabled device is within a fixed distance of the WiFi Access Point. This is one technique that Apple and Google use to locate devices—such as notebook computers and iPads—that do not comprise GPS receivers or cellular radios.

Conversely, if an uplink radio signal is transmitted by a WiFi-enabled device at an unknown location and received by a WiFi Access Point at a known location, then it can be logically deduced that the that the WiFi-enabled device is within a fixed distance of the WiFi Access Point.

There are numerous tricks that can be made to the basic radio-signal identification to improve the accuracy of the estimate for the location, and numerous companies like Ericsson, Qualcomm, Apple, and Google each tout their own flavor. The principal advantage of radio-signal identification is that it is computationally simple. The principal disadvantage of radio-signal identification is that its results are insufficiently accurate for many applications.

Radio-Signal Direction Finding—Radio signals propagate in a vacuum in a straight line in the absence gravitational effects. This observation can be used to estimate the location of a cell phone at an unknown location in, for example, the following manner. If the cell phone (i.e., the wireless terminal) transmits an uplink radio signal and two or more cell towers (i.e., reference radios) can determine the direction from which the uplink signal arrives, then the location of the cell phone can be estimated using triangulation.

Conversely, if the three or more cell towers (i.e., reference radios) at known locations each transmit a downlink radio signal and the cell phone can determine the direction from which each downlink signal arrives, then the location of the cell phone can be estimated using triangulation.

Radio-signal direction finding can also be used in an analogous manner to estimate the location of a WiFi-enabled device at an unknown location, but radio-signal direction finding is not often used to locate WiFi-enabled devices because real-world radio-frequency environments are usually full of radio-frequency obstacles that render the technique insufficiently accurate for many applications.

Radio-Signal Range Finding—The speed with which radio signals propagate is well known in the prior art. This observation can be used to estimate the location of a cell phone at an unknown location in, for example, the following manner. If three or more cell towers (i.e., reference radios) at known locations each transmit a downlink radio signal to the cell phone (i.e., the wireless terminal) and the cell phone can determine how long it took for each downlink signal to reach the cell phone—and thus the distance or range of the cell phone from each cell tower—then the location of the cell phone can be estimated using trilateration.

Conversely, if the cell phone transmits an uplink signal to three or more cell towers and the cell towers can determine how long it took for the uplink signal to reach the towers, then the location of the cell phone can be estimated using trilateration.

Radio-signal range finding can also be used in an analogous manner to estimate the location of a WiFi-enabled device at an unknown location.

Radio-Signal Pattern Matching—Downlink radio signals from many types of transmitters (e.g., television, commercial radio, downlink satellite, cellular telephone, WiFi, etc.) permeate our environment, and each location in space is associated with a unique combination of the location-dependent traits of those signals. This enables a map or database to be created that correlates the location-dependent traits of the downlink signals to location. Common names for this family of techniques include “Wireless Location Signatures,” “RF Pattern Matching,” and “RF Fingerprinting.”

Radio-signal pattern matching can be used, for example, to estimate the location of a cell phone at an unknown location. The cell phone (i.e., the wireless terminal) observes the downlink signals it can receive that are transmitted from the cell towers (i.e., reference radios) at known locations and measures the location-dependent traits of those signals. Then the location of the cell phone can be estimated by pattern matching the measured values of the location-dependent traits of the observed downlink signals against the map. The location on the map whose expected or predicted values of the location-dependent traits that best matches the observed measurements is the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal.

Conversely, if the three or more cell towers can observe and measure the location-dependent traits of a signal transmitted by the cell phone, then the location of the cell phone can be estimated by pattern matching the measured values of the location-dependent traits of the observed uplink signal against a map that correlates the location-dependent traits of the uplink signal to location.

Radio-signal pattern matching can also be used, for example, in an analogous manner to estimate the location of a WiFi-enabled device at an unknown location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a method for estimating the location of a wireless terminal without some of the costs and disadvantages for doing so in the prior art.

The task of estimating the location of a wireless terminal is performed by determining the spatial relationship of the wireless terminal to one or more reference radios. By analyzing the location-dependent traits of the radio signals that are exchanged by the wireless terminal and the reference radio, a location engine can determine the location of the wireless terminal relative to the reference radio(s). The accuracy of the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal is dependent on the accuracy with which the location of the reference radio(s) is known or estimated.

If the wireless terminal cannot transmit a signal to a reference radio and cannot receive a signal from a reference radio, or the location engine does not possess a confirmed or estimated location for the reference radio, then the location engine has no touchstone on which to base the location of the wireless terminal. Therefore, it is advantageous for the location engine to know:

-   -   (i) the existence of as many reference radios as possible, and     -   (ii) the confirmed or estimated location of each reference         radio, and     -   (iii) the transmission parameters of each signal transmitted by         each radio, and     -   (iv) as much as possible about presence or absence of         radio-frequency (RF) obstacles in the vicinity of each reference         radio.         This information is, however, not always readily available.

The existence, location, and transmission parameters of almost all broadcast, navigation, and high-power telecommunications radios is a matter of public record and easily provided to a location engine. In contrast, the existence, location, and transmission parameters of most low-power/short-range radios are not. The low-power/short-range radios—such as, for example and without limitation, the WiFi base stations and WiFi-enabled devices in office buildings, stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. are, collectively, ideal as reference radios because of their ubiquity and short transmission range.

In the prior art, the process of learning the location and transmission parameters of these radios involves the physical and administrative inspection of each radio. Alternatively, crude estimates of the location of each radio can be obtained by drive testing—such as that performed by Google and Apple—past the buildings where such radios are located, but accurate estimates of the transmission parameters cannot be generated without information about the presence or absence of RF obstacles in the vicinity.

One project in the prior art uses a method that is analogous to tomography. The project attempts to gain information about the presence or absence of RF obstacles by flying a pair of radio-equipped aerial drones in an area of interest (e.g., around a building, for example, etc.). One drone transmits a signal at a known power from a known location and the other drone, also at a known location, measures the power of the received signal. Because the location of both drones is known, the distance between the drones can be calculated. Because the distance between the drones can be calculated, the free-space path loss of the signal from between the two drones can also be calculated. Therefore, any additional path loss can be attributed to one or more RF obstacles along the line between the two drones. By taking a large number of such measurements and using the principles of tomography, estimates of the presence and absence of RF obstacles in the region of interest can be generated.

In contrast and in accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a single wireless terminal—hereinafter called a “scouting wireless terminal”—makes power measurements of a signal transmitted by a potential reference radio—whose location is unknown—at a plurality of locations. The illustrative embodiment is able to use those measurements—and knowledge of the location at which they were made—to generate:

-   -   (i) an estimate of the location of the newly-discovered         reference radio, which might be inside or outside of a building,         and     -   (ii) an estimate of the transmission power of the radio signal         transmitted by the newly-discovered reference radio, and     -   (iii) a quantitative estimate of the RF obstacles in the         vicinity of the radio, and     -   (iv) an estimate of whether a building exists in the vicinity of         the radio by examining the spatial distribution of RF obstacles,         and, if so, an estimate of the location of the footprint of the         building, and     -   (v) an estimate of the excess path loss for at least a portion         of the building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (vi) an estimate of the nature and location of one or more         architectural features (e.g., an auditorium, a bank of         elevators, a vault, a collection of cubicles, a ballroom, a         stairwell, etc.) of the building, if the building is estimated         to exist.         And all of this can be generated based on a plurality of power         measurements of signals transmitted from a radio at an unknown         location within a building that is also at an unknown location,         by a single scouting wireless terminal, that is outside of the         building. This information is then available to the location         engine for estimating the location of a wireless terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 before task 201 is performed.

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the tasks performed in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks performed in accordance with task 202.

FIG. 4 depicts a map of a portion of geographic region 101 that depicts 72 measurement locations in Tier 1 (after task 301 is performed).

FIG. 5 depicts a map of a portion of geographic region 101 that depicts 72 measurement locations and 49 partitions in Tier 1 (after task 302 is performed).

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks associated with performing task 303 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a map of a portion of geographic region 101 that depicts 72 measurement locations, 49 partitions, and 49 candidate locations in Tier 1 candidate locations (after task 601 is performed).

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks associated with task 604—analyzing the results of task 603 and generating the various estimates.

FIG. 9 depicts the values of PV(k) for the 49 partitions composing Tier 8 at Elevation 12.0 Meters (after task 803 is performed).

FIG. 10 depicts the values of PV(k) for the 49 partitions composing Tier 9 at Elevation 13.5 Meters (after task 803 is performed).

FIG. 11 depicts the values of PV(k) for the 49 partitions composing Tier 10 at Elevation 15.0 Meters (after task 803 is performed).

FIG. 12 depicts a map of the 49 partitions composing Tier 9, which depicts a candidate footprint of a building and a candidate building core.

FIG. 13 depicts a map of a portion of geographic region, which depicts the estimated location of the footprint of building 141, the estimated location of building core 1301, and the estimated location of reference radio 120-3.

FIG. 14 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 after task 202 is performed.

FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks performed in accordance with task 203—generating an estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112.

FIG. 16 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 after task 203 is performed.

FIG. 17 depicts a front view of the 17 tiers of partitions across cross-section AA-AA (y=62.5).

FIG. 18 depicts a front view of the 17 tiers of partitions across cross-section AA-AA (y=62.5) and those partitions in the straight-line path between the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 and some measurement locations.

DEFINITIONS

Architectural Feature—For the purposes of this specification, an “architectural feature” is defined as an aspect of a building that is:

-   -   (i) a volume of space that constitutes the presence of a         substantial radio-frequency (RF) obstacle (e.g., a boiler, a         vault, a stairwell, an elevator shaft, etc.), or     -   (ii) a volume of space that constitutes the absence of a         substantial radio-frequency (RF) obstacle (e.g., an auditorium,         a ballroom, a collection of cubicles, etc.).         The likelihood of a wireless terminal being located at or near         an architectural feature can be high or low or neutral         depending, for example and without limitation, on the time of         day, the day of the week, the day of the year, the nature of the         feature, and the existence and proximity of other features.

Based on—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase “based on” is defined as “being dependent on” in contrast to “being independent of”. The value of Y is dependent on the value of X when the value of Y is different for two or more values of X. The value of Y is independent of the value of X when the value of Y is the same for all values of X. Being “based on” includes both functions and relations.

Building—For the purposes of this specification, a “building” is defined as a man-made structure, regardless of whether it is intended to be inhabited (e.g., a house, an office building, etc.) or not inhabited (e.g., a radio tower, an oil tank, etc.).

Excess Path Loss—For the purposes of this specification, the “excess path loss” is defined as the attenuation experienced by a hypothetical radio signal—in excess of the free-space path loss—as it propagates through a non-vacuum medium in a straight line from Point A to Point B.

Free-Space Path Loss—For the purposes of this specification, the “free-space path loss” is defined as the attenuation experienced by a hypothetical radio signal as it propagates through a vacuum in a straight line from Point A to Point B.

Generate—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “to generate” and its inflected forms (e.g., “generating”, “generation”, etc.) should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the terms would have to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

Identity of a Radio Signal—For the purposes of this specification, the phrase “identity of a radio signal” is defined as one or more indicia that distinguish one radio signal from another radio signal.

Location—For the purposes of this specification, the term “location” is defined as a zero-dimensional point, a finite one-dimensional path segment, a finite two-dimensional surface area, or a finite three-dimensional volume.

Location-Dependent Information—For the purposes of this specification, the term “location-dependent information” is defined as information that varies with location. For example and without limitation, location-dependent information can be:

-   -   (i) a measurement of a location-dependent trait (e.g., signal         strength, etc.) of a radio signal as received by the wireless         terminal,     -   (ii) the identity of a radio signal as received by the wireless         terminal (e.g., in a service environment in which different         radio signals transmitted from different locations are assigned         different identities, etc.), or     -   (iii) the identity (e.g., service set identifier [SSID], media         access control [MAC] address, etc.) of the base station in         communication with the wireless terminal (e.g., in a service         environment in which different base stations at different         locations are assigned different identities, etc.).

Location-Dependent Trait of a Radio Signal—For the purposes of this specification, the term “location-dependent trait of a radio signal” is defined as a characteristic of a radio signal that varies with:

-   -   (i) the location of the transmitter of the signal, or     -   (ii) the location of the receiver of the signal, or     -   (iii) both i and ii.

For example and without limitation, the amplitude and phase of a radio signal are generally location-dependent traits of the signal. In contrast, the frequency of a given radio signal is generally not a location-dependent trait of the signal.

Location-Trait Database—For the purposes of this specification, a “Location-Trait Database” is defined as a mapping that associates:

-   -   (i) one or more location-dependent traits of one or more radio         signals received or transmitted by a wireless terminal, or     -   (ii) the identity of one or more radio signals received or         transmitted by a wireless terminal, or     -   (iii) both i and ii,         at each of a plurality of locations.

Partition—For the purposes of this specification, a “partition” is defined as a volume of space that is deemed to have a uniform excess path loss per meter for a signal characterized by a wavelength.

Processor—For the purposes of this specification, a “processor” is defined as hardware or hardware and software that performs mathematical and/or logical operations.

Power—For the purposes of this specification, the “power” of a radio signal is defined as the locally-averaged signal strength of the radio signal.

Radio—For the purposes of this specification, a “radio” is defined as hardware or hardware and software that is capable of telecommunications via an unguided (i.e., wireless) radio signal of frequency less than 600 GHz.

Radio-Frequency Environment—For the purposes of this specification the term “radio-frequency environment” is defined as a quantitative characterization of the nature and location of the radio-frequency obstacles in the vicinity of the reference radio, the wireless terminal, and the signal path between the reference radio and the wireless terminal.

Radio-Frequency Obstacle—For the purposes of this specification the term “radio-frequency obstacle” is defined as matter that can refract, diffract, reflect, or absorb a radio signal used in telecommunications.

Reasonable Estimate—For the purposes of this specification, the term “reasonable estimate” and its inflected forms is defined as an estimate that is based on empirical data and logic. A reasonable estimate is not necessarily correct, but it is not a blind guess.

Receive—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “to receive” and its inflected forms (e.g., “receiving”, “received”, etc.) should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the terms would have to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

Total Path Loss—For the purposes of this specification, the “total path loss” is defined as the sum of the free-space path loss plus the excess path loss, if any, experienced by a hypothetical radio signal as it propagates in a straight line from Point A to Point B.

Transmit—For the purposes of this specification, the infinitive “to transmit” and its inflected forms (e.g., “transmitting”, “transmitted”, etc.) should be given the ordinary and customary meaning that the terms would have to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention.

Wireless terminal—For the purposes of this specification, the term “wireless terminal” is defined as a device that is capable of telecommunications without a wire or tangible medium. A wireless terminal can be mobile or immobile. A wireless terminal can transmit or receive or transmit and receive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 before task 201 is performed. Geographic region 101 comprises: scouting wireless terminal 111 (not depicted in FIG. 1), user wireless terminal 112 (not depicted in FIG. 1), reference radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, reference radio 120-3 (not depicted in FIG. 1), building 141 (not depicted in FIG. 1), and location engine 151.

Reference radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, reference radio 120-3, building 141, and location engine 151 are immobile. In contrast, scouting wireless terminal 111 and user wireless terminal 112 are mobile.

Before task 201 is performed, location engine 151 comprises:

-   -   (i) a record of the existence of scouting wireless terminal 111,         and     -   (ii) a record of the existence of user wireless terminal 112,         and     -   (iii) a record of the existence of reference radio 120-1, and     -   (iv) a record of the existence of reference radio 120-2, and     -   (v) a record of the existence of location engine 151 (i.e.,         itself), and     -   (vi) a record of the location of reference radio 120-1, and     -   (vii) a record of the location of reference radio 120-2, and     -   (viii) a record of the location of location engine 151 (i.e.,         itself), and     -   (ix) a record of the transmission parameters of the downlink         control channel radio signal transmitted by reference radio         120-1, and     -   (x) a record of the transmission parameters of the downlink         control channel radio signal transmitted by reference radio         120-2.         Because of (vi), (vii), and (viii), the locations of reference         radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, and location engine 151 are         depicted in FIG. 1. It will be clear to those skilled in the         art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use         alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the         location engine does not comprise (i) or (ii) or (iii) or (iv)         or (v) or (vi) or (vii) or (viii) or (ix) or (x) or any         combination of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii),         (ix), and (x) before task 201 is performed.

Before task 201 is performed, location engine 151 does not comprise:

-   -   (i) a record of the location of scouting wireless terminal 111,         or     -   (ii) a record of the location of user wireless terminal 112, or     -   (iii) a record of the existence of reference radio 120-3, or     -   (iv) a record of the existence of building 141, or     -   (v) a record of the location of reference radio 120-3, or     -   (vi) a record of the location of building 141, or     -   (vii) a record of the transmission parameters of the downlink         control channel radio signal transmitted by reference radio         120-3, or     -   (viii) a record of any architectural features of building 141,         or     -   (ix) a record of the presence of a radio-frequency (RF) obstacle         in geographic region 101, or     -   (x) a record of an area in geographic region 101 that is known         to be devoid of radio-frequency (RF) obstacles.         Because of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), and (vi), scouting         wireless terminal 111, user wireless terminal 112, reference         radio 120-3, and building 141 are omitted from FIG. 1. It will         be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this         disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the         present invention in which location engine 151 comprises (i)         or (ii) or (iii) or (iv) or (v) or (vi) or (vii) or (viii)         or (ix) or (x) or any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv),         (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), or (x) before task 201 is         performed.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, geographic region 101 is approximately rectangular, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the geographic region has any shape (e.g., irregular, oval, triangular, etc.).

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, scouting wireless terminal 111, user wireless terminal 112, reference radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, and reference radio 120-3 all exist within the three-dimensional space in, above, or below geographic region 101.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, geographic region 101 spans 200 meters (measured East-West) by 120 meters (measured North-South) and, therefore, comprises 24,000 square meters. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the geographic region of interest has any dimensions and encompasses any area (e.g., 10,000 square meters, 50,000 square meters, 100,000 square meters, 500,000 square meters, 1 square kilometer, 100 square kilometers, 10,000 square kilometers, etc.).

Each location in geographic region 101 is designated by a Cartesian coordinate measured in meters from an origin, which is located at the southwest corner of geographic region 101, as shown in FIG. 1. The coordinates of reference radio 120-1 and reference radio 120-2 are listed in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Coordinates of Reference Radio 120-1 and Reference Radio 120-2 Reference Radio Coordinates reference radio 120-1  (30, 100, 10.5) reference radio 120-2 (170, 100, 12.5)

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, scouting wireless terminal 111 is a radio-controlled unmanned aerial drone (e.g., an RC quadcopter, etc.) that is capable of:

-   -   (i) flying, autonomously or under the control of a technician,         to a plurality of specified locations in the vicinity of         reference radio 120-3, which locations can range from ground         level to 1000 meters in altitude, and     -   (ii) receiving, decoding, and measuring the power of the 2.4 GHz         WiFi downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by         reference radio 120-3 at each of those locations, and     -   (iii) determining its location with GPS at each of those         locations, and     -   (iv) transmitting:         -   (1) the identity of reference radio 120-3,         -   (2) the value of each measurement, and         -   (3) the coordinates of the location where each measurement             was made         -   to location engine 151.             It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and             use scouting wireless terminal 111.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, user wireless terminal 112 is a standard off-the-shelf commercially-available cellular smartphone (e.g., an Apple iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, etc.) that is capable of:

-   -   (i) receiving, decoding, and measuring the power of the 800 MHz         downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by reference         radio 120-1, and     -   (ii) transmitting the identity of reference radio 120-1 and the         value of the measurement to location engine 151, and     -   (iii) receiving, decoding, and measuring the power of the 800         MHz downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by         reference radio 120-2, and     -   (iv) transmitting the identity of reference radio 120-2 and the         value of the measurement to location engine 151, and     -   (v) receiving, decoding, and measuring the power of the 2.4 GHz         downlink control channel radio signal transmitted by reference         radio 120-3, and     -   (vi) transmitting the identity of reference radio 120-3 and the         value of the measurement to location engine 151, and     -   (vii) receiving an estimate of its location from location engine         151, and     -   (viii) running a location-based application (e.g., Facebook,         Find My Friends, Weather, etc.) that uses the estimate of its         location obtained from location engine 151.         It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use         user wireless terminal 112.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-1 transmits a downlink control channel radio signal from an omnidirectional antenna at 40 dBm. The downlink control channel radio signal is characterized by a first wavelength λ₁=c/800 MHz=0.375 meters. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-1 is a cellular base station (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE, 5G NR, etc.), but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the reference radio provides any service (e.g., transmit only, transmit and receive, voice, data, video, etc.) and transmits any type of signal as characterized by any wavelength at any transmit power. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the transmission parameters of the downlink control channel radio signal are constant. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use reference radio 120-1.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-2 transmits a downlink control channel radio signal from an omnidirectional antenna at 40 dBm. The downlink control channel radio signal is characterized by the first wavelength λ₁=c/800 MHz=0.375 meters. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-2 is a cellular base station (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE, 5G NR, etc.), but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the reference radio provides any service ((e.g., transmit only, transmit and receive, voice, data, video, etc.) and transmits any type of signal as characterized by any wavelength at any transmit power. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the transmission parameters of the downlink control channel radio signal are constant. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use reference radio 120-2.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-3 transmits a downlink control channel radio signal. The downlink control channel radio signal is characterized by a second wavelength λ₂=c/2.4 GHz=0.125 meters. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-3 is an 802.11 WiFi access point, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the reference radio provides any service (e.g., transmit only, transmit and receive, voice, data, video, etc.) and transmits any type of signal as characterized by any wavelength at any transmit power. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the transmission parameters of the downlink control channel radio signal are constant. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use reference radio 120-3.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 comprises the hardware and software capable of performing the computational tasks described below and in the accompanying figures. Location engine 151 is connected via the Internet and wireline transmission facilities to reference radio 120-1 and reference radio 120-2.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, reference radio 120-3 is behind a secure firewall, and, therefore, location engine 151 does not have direct unrestricted wireline access to reference radio 120-3 or the wireless terminals that have been granted wireless access to reference radio 120-3. Furthermore, location engine 151 is connected via the Internet and wireless (e.g., cellular, etc.) connectivity to scouting wireless terminal 111 and user wireless terminal 112.

Location engine 151 comprises a location-based application (e.g., iOS's “Find My Friends” app, Android's “Waze” app, iOS's Lyft app etc.) that uses the estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112 generated in task 203. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 exists within geographic region 101. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, however, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the location engine exists outside of the geographic region of interest. Furthermore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the functionality performed by location engine 151 is distributed among various geographically-dispersed hardware devices (e.g., is performed by servers in “the Cloud,” partially on scouting wireless terminal 111, partially on user wireless terminal 112, etc.).

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of the tasks performed in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

At task 201, location engine 151 and scouting wireless terminal 111 cooperate to discover one or more new reference radios in geographic region 101. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, scouting wireless terminal 111 is flown by a technician whose job it is to systematically patrol geographic region 101 and discover new reference radios. As scouting wireless terminal 111 is flown throughout geographic region 101, it continually scans for 2.4 GHz WiFi downlink control channel radio signals.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, scouting wireless terminal 111 does not comprise a record of all of the reference radios that are known to location engine 151, but it does comprise a record of all of the reference radios that it has previously received and decoded. Therefore, whenever scouting wireless terminal 111 receives and decodes the 2.4 GHz WiFi downlink control channel radio signal of a reference radio that it has not previously received and decoded, it notifies location engine 151 of that fact.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, in task 201, scouting wireless terminal 111 receives and decodes the 2.4 GHz WiFi downlink control channel radio signal of reference radio 120-3. Because scouting wireless terminal 111 has not previously received and decoded the downlink control channel radio signal of reference radio 120-3 before, it notifies location engine 151 that it has received and decoded the signal from reference radio 120-3. In response, location engine 151 confirms that reference radio 120-3 is a newly-discovered reference radio and directs the technician and scouting wireless terminal 111 to gather power measurements of the signal, as performed in task 202.

At task 202, location engine 151 and scouting wireless terminal 111 cooperate to:

-   -   (i) measure, at multiple locations, the power of the downlink         control channel radio signal that is transmitted by reference         radio 120-3, and     -   (ii) generate an estimate of the location of reference radio         120-3, and     -   (iii) generate an estimate of the transmission power of the         downlink control channel radio signal that is transmitted by         reference radio 120-3, and     -   (iv) generate an estimate of the excess path loss for each of         one or more partitions in geographic area 101, and     -   (v) generate an estimate of whether a building exists in the         area covered by the partitions, and, if so, an estimate of the         location of the footprint of the building, and     -   (vi) generate an estimate of the location of the footprint of         the building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (vii) generate an estimate of the excess path loss for at least         a portion of the building, if the building is estimated to         exist, and     -   (viii) generate an estimate of the nature and location of one or         more architectural features of the building, if the building is         estimated to exist.         Task 202 is described in detail below and in the accompanying         figures.

At task 203, location engine 151 and user wireless terminal 112 cooperate to generate an estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112, based, at least in part, on:

-   -   (i) a measurement by user wireless terminal 112 of the power of:         -   (1) the 800 MHz downlink control channel radio signal that             is transmitted by reference radio 120-1, and         -   (2) the 800 MHz downlink control channel radio signal that             is transmitted by reference radio 120-2, and         -   (3) the 2.4 GHz WiFi downlink control channel radio signal             that is transmitted by reference radio 120-3, and     -   (ii) the record of:         -   (1) the location of reference radio 120-1, and         -   (2) the location of reference radio 120-2, and     -   (iii) the estimate of the location of reference radio 120-3, and     -   (iv) the record of:         -   (1) the 800 MHz downlink control channel radio signal that             is transmitted by reference radio 120-1, and         -   (2) the 800 MHz downlink control channel radio signal that             is transmitted by reference radio 120-2, and     -   (v) the estimate of the transmission power of the 2.4 GHz WiFi         downlink control channel radio signal that is transmitted by         reference radio 120-3, and     -   (vi) the estimate of the excess path loss for one or more of the         partitions of geographic region 101, and     -   (vii) the estimate of the existence of the building, and     -   (viii) the estimate of the location of the footprint of         building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (ix) the estimate of the excess path loss for one or more         portions of building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (x) the estimate of the nature and location of the architectural         features of building, if the building is estimated to exist.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that accomplish task 203 with (i)(3) plus any combination of (ii)(1), (ii)(2), (iii), (iv)(1), (iv)(2), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), and (x). Task 203 is described in detail below and in the accompanying figures.

At task 204, location engine 151 uses the estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112, which was generated in task 203, in a location-based application. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use embodiments of the present invention that perform task 204.

At task 205, location engine 151 transmits the estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112, which was generated in task 203, to user wireless terminal 112 for use by a location-based application (e.g., Facebook, Find My Friends, Weather, etc.) on user wireless terminal 112. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use embodiments of the present invention that perform task 205.

At task 206, location engine 151 transmits the estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112 to a remote data processing system for use by a location-based application (e.g., E-911, etc.) on that system. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use embodiments of the present invention that perform task 206.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks performed in accordance with task 202.

At task 301, scouting wireless terminal 111 makes a measurement of the locally-averaged signal strength of the downlink control channel radio signal of reference radio 120-3 at M measurement locations in geographic region 101. The M measurements locations are designated 1, 2, 3, . . . , m, . . . , M, where M and m are positive integers and m is selected from the set {1, 2, 3, . . . , M}.

The value of the mth measurement is MV(m), which is denominated in dBm. The coordinates of the mth measurement location is ML(m), which equals the (x,y,z) coordinates of a location in geographic region 101.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the technician sees and is aware of the existence of a tall thin building—building 141—even though location engine 151 is not. Therefore, the technician directs scouting wireless terminal 110 to circle building 141, multiple times, at slightly different altitudes and slightly different distances from the building to ensure the measurement and collection of many spatially-diverse measurements.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, M=1224, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention with any number of measurements at any measurement locations.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the technician decides how many measurements locations are chosen (i.e., the value of M), but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which:

-   -   (i) scouting wireless terminal 111, or     -   (ii) location engine 151, or     -   (iii) the technician, or     -   (iv) any combination of i, ii, and iii         decide how many measurement locations are chosen.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the scouting wireless terminal 111 decides the coordinates of each measurement location ML(m), but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which:

-   -   (i) scouting wireless terminal 111, or     -   (ii) location engine 151, or     -   (iii) the technician, or     -   (iv) any combination of i, ii, and iii         decide the coordinates of each measurement location ML(m).

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, scouting wireless terminal 111 flies to each measurement location ML(m). When scouting wireless terminal 111 is at measurement location ML(m), scouting wireless terminal 111:

-   -   (i) receives, decodes, and measures the power of the 2.4 GHz         WiFi downlink control channel radio signal that is transmitted         by reference radio 120-3 to generate measurement MV(m), and     -   (ii) determines its location ML(m) with GPS, and     -   (iii) transmits:         -   (1) the identity of reference radio 120-3, and         -   (2) the measurement value MV(m), and         -   (3) the coordinates of measurement location ML(m) to             location engine 151.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the M=1224 measurement locations and measurement values are stored in location engine 151. A sample of the 1224 measurement locations are depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 17 and a sample of them—and their simulated measurement values—are listed in Table 2. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to determine the remaining measurement locations by inspecting FIG. 4 and FIG. 17.

TABLE 2 List of Measurement Locations and Measurement Values Measurement Location Measurement Value m ML(m) MV(m) 1 (87.5, 72.5, 1.5) −111.8 dBm 2 (90.0, 72.5, 1.5) −110.9 dBm . . . . . . . . . 35 (87.5, 60.0, 1.5) −110.7 dBm 36 (90.0, 60.0, 1.5) −109.6 dBm 37 (110.0, 60.0, 1.5)  −105.3 dBm 38 (112.5, 60.0, 1.5)  −106.3 dBm . . . . . . . . . 71 (110.0, 47.5, 1.5)  −109.9 dBm 72 (112.5, 47.5, 1.5)  −110.3 dBm 73 (87.5, 72.5, 3.0) −107.8 dBm 74 (90.0, 72.5, 3.0) −106.8 dBm . . . . . . . . . 595 (105.0, 70.0, 13.5)  −51.3 dBm 596 (107.5, 70.0, 13.5)  −51.8 dBm . . . . . . . . . 1151 (110.0, 47.5, 24.0) −105.8 dBm 1152 (112.5, 47.5, 24.0) −106.2 dBm 1153  (87.5, 72.5, 25.5) −111.8 dBm 1154  (90.0, 72.5, 25.5) −110.9 dBm . . . . . . . . . 1223 (110.0, 47.5, 25.5) −109.9 dBm 1224 (112.5, 47.5, 25.5) −110.3 dBm

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the M measurement locations are spatially diverse. When two measurements are not spatially diverse, they are at least partially redundant and overweight the data from that vicinity.

When the technician has no idea where a reference radio is, the technician can direct scouting wireless terminal 111 to take measurements on a square or hexagonal lattice, while omitting those places where it cannot get to because of physical obstacles or legal impediments or logistical efficiency. In contrast, when the technician suspects that he or she knows the location of a newly-discovered reference radio, a good rule of thumb is for the measurement locations to exhibit azimuthal and radial diversity around the suspected location of the reference radio. This can be achieved, for example and without limitation, by circling the suspected location at a few times at different radii.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the technician decides that the M measurement locations will correspond to a 2.5 (Δx) meter by 2.5 (Δy) meter by 1.5 (Δz) meter cubic lattice, wherein the centroids of the lowest tier are at an elevation of 1.5 meters. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the measurements are made at random locations or in other patterns.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, there are some assumptions regarding task 301. For example, it is assumed that:

-   -   (i) the location of reference radio 120-3 does not change during         task 301, and     -   (ii) the transmission power of reference radio 120-3 does not         change during task 301, and     -   (iii) the antenna gain of reference radio 120-3 is the same in         all directions (i.e., reference radio 120-3 comprises an         omnidirectional antenna), and     -   (iv) the antenna gain of scouting wireless terminal 111 is the         same in all directions (i.e., scouting wireless terminal 111         comprises an omnidirectional antenna).         These assumptions might be true or false or partially true, and         the degree to which they are true or false will impact the         accuracy of the estimates generated by the embodiment of the         invention. In any case, it will be clear to those skilled in the         art how to perform task 301.

At task 302, location engine 151 partitions the area of interest in geographic region 101 into K partitions. The K partitions are designated 1, 2, 3, . . . , k, . . . , K, where K and k are positive integers and k is selected from the set {1, 2, 3, . . . , K}. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a partition is defined as a volume of space that is deemed to have a uniform excess path loss per meter for a given wavelength.

The coordinates of the center of partition k is PL(k), which equals the (x,y,z) coordinates of a location in geographic region 101. The kth partition has a uniform excess path loss per meter of PV(k), which is denominated in dB per meter.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment K=833, arranged as a 7 (Δx) by 7 (Δy) by 17 (Δz) three-dimensional array of boxes, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention with any number of partitions.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the location of all K partitions is stored in location engine 151. A sample of the values are listed in Table 3. Furthermore, a top view of the First Tier of partitions is depicted in FIG. 5 and a cross-section of all seventeen tiers is depicted in FIG. 17. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to determine the remaining values by inspecting Table 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 17.

TABLE 3 List of Partition Locations k Partition Location PL(k) 1 (92.5, 67.5, 1.5) 2 (95.0, 67.5, 1.5) . . . . . . 7 (107.5, 67.5, 1.5)  8 (92.5, 65.0, 1.5) . . . . . . 41 (107.5, 55.0, 1.5)  42 (92.5, 52.5, 1.5) . . . . . . 48 (105.0, 52.5, 1.5)  49 (107.5, 52.5, 1.5)  50 (92.5, 67.5, 3.0) 51 (95.0, 67.5, 3.0) . . . . . . 783  (92.5, 67.5, 24.0) 784  (95.0, 67.5, 24.0) 785  (92.5, 67.5, 25.5) 786  (95.0, 67.5, 25.5) . . . . . . 832 (105.0, 52.5, 25.5) 833 (107.5, 52.5, 25.5)

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, each of the K partitions:

-   -   (i) is an identical box with the dimensions of 2.5 meters (Δx)         by 2.5 meters (Δy) by 1.5 meters (Δz), and     -   (ii) has the same volume of 9.375 m³, and     -   (iii) has a rectangular footprint projected onto the plane of         geographic region 101 of 2.5 meters (Δx) by 2.5 meters (Δy).

The computational complexity of task 602 (shown in FIG. 6) is reduced when each partition is an identical convex polyhedron that can be tessellated (e.g., a cube, a box, a triangular prism, etc.). It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which:

-   -   (i) some or all of the partitions have a different shape, or     -   (ii) some or all of the partitions have a different volume, or     -   (iii) both i and ii.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 comprises neither a record of any radio-frequency (RF) obstacles in geographic region 101 nor a record of any areas that are devoid of any RF obstacles. In contrast, when the location engine does comprise a record of an RF obstacle or an area that is devoid of RF obstacles, it is usually advantageous to correlate the boundaries of some of the partitions with the boundaries of those obstacles and/or areas. This will complicate the complexity of task 602, but it is likely to improve the various estimates that are generated in task 604 (shown in FIG. 6).

In general, the size, shape, and location of each partition k should be chosen so that it is crossed by the straight-line path between each candidate location CL(n) and at least one measurement location ML(m). When a partition k is not crossed by the straight-line path between each candidate location CL(n) and at least one measurement location ML(m), and that candidate location CL(n) is estimated to be the location of reference radio 120-3, the value of the candidate excess path loss e(n,k) for that partition is meaningless.

Furthermore, the size, shape, and location of each partition k should be chosen so that it is crossed by the straight-line path between each candidate location CL(n) and several measurement locations. In general, this tends to increase the accuracy of the estimate of the candidate excess path loss e(n,k) for that partition.

At task 303, location engine 151 generates:

-   -   (i) an estimate of the location of reference radio 120-3, and     -   (ii) an estimate of the transmission power of the downlink         control channel radio signal transmitted by reference radio         120-3, and     -   (iii) an estimate of the excess path loss for each of the K         partitions, and     -   (iv) an estimate of whether a building exists in the K         partitions, and     -   (v) an estimate of the location of the footprint of the         building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (vi) an estimate of the excess path loss for at least a portion         of the building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (vii) an estimate of the nature and location of one or more         architectural features of the building, if the building is         estimated to exist, based on which candidate location of         reference radio 120-3 is most consistent with the measurement         values and the candidate predictions of total path loss. Task         303 is described in detail below and in the accompanying         figures.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks associated with performing task 303 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

At task 601, location engine 151 generates N candidate locations for the location of reference radio 120-3. The N candidate locations are designated 1, 2, 3, . . . , n, N, where N and n are positive integers and n is selected from the set {1, 2, 3, . . . , N}.

The nth candidate location is at candidate location CL(n), which equals the (x,y,z) coordinate of a location in geographic region 101.

In general, better estimates of the location of reference radio 120-3 are generated:

-   -   (i) for larger values of N (so as to increase the likelihood         that a candidate location is near the location suggested by the         empirical data), and     -   (ii) when the N candidate locations are spatially diverse (so as         to increase the likelihood that a candidate location is near the         location suggested by the empirical data), and     -   (iii) for larger values of M (so as to provide more empirical         data on which to base the estimates), and     -   (iv) when the M measurement locations are spatially diverse (so         as to provide higher quality empirical data), and     -   (v) when the M measurement locations are balanced and radially         and azimuthally diverse around each candidate location (so as to         provide higher quality empirical data).

For example, candidate locations on a 2.5 meter (Δx) by 2.5 meter (Δy) by 2.5 meter (Δz) orthogonal lattice are, in general, better than randomly-located candidate locations. Candidate locations on a 1 meter (Δx) by 1 meter (Δy) by 1 meter (Δz) orthogonal lattice are also likely to yield good estimates but require more work and can provide an unwarranted sense of precision.

To facilitate the reader's comprehension, the illustrative embodiment is presented with N=833 candidate locations. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention with any number of candidate locations.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, candidate location CL(n)=PL(n), for all n. The N candidate locations CL(1) through CL(N) are stored in location engine 151. A sample of the 833 candidate locations are listed in Table 4, and the first tier of 49 are depicted in FIG. 7. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to determine the remaining values by inspecting Table 4 and FIG. 7 and Table 4.

TABLE 4 List of Candidate Locations n Candidate Location CL(n) 1 (92.5, 67.5, 1.5) 2 (95.0, 67.5, 1.5) . . . . . . 7 (107.5, 67.5, 1.5)  8 (92.5, 65.0, 1.5) . . . . . . 41 (107.5, 55.0, 1.5)  42 (92.5, 52.5, 1.5) . . . . . . 48 (105.0, 52.5, 1.5)  49 (107.5, 52.5, 1.5)  50 (92.5, 67.5, 3.0) 51 (95.0, 67.5, 3.0) . . . . . . 783  (92.5, 67.5, 24.0) 784  (95.0, 67.5, 24.0) 785  (92.5, 67.5, 25.5) 786  (95.0, 67.5, 25.5) . . . . . . 832 (105.0, 52.5, 25.5) 833 (107.5, 52.5, 25.5)

It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which:

-   -   (i) the number of candidate locations N does not equal, and is         unrelated to, the number of partitions K (i.e., N≠K), or     -   (ii) the location of the N candidate locations is unrelated to         the shape, size, or location of the K partitions, or     -   (iii) the location of the N candidate locations is both inside         and outside of buildings and other man-made structures, or     -   (iv) any combination of i, ii, and iii.

At task 602, location engine 151 generates a candidate prediction of the total path loss A(n,m) in dB for a hypothetical 2.4 GHz signal that propagates in a straight line from candidate location CL(n) to measurement location ML(m), for all n and m. In total, task 602 generates N·M=833·1,224=1,019,592 candidate predictions of total path loss A(n,m).

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 does not comprise a record of any radio-frequency obstacles in the vicinity of the N candidate locations, the M measurement locations, or the vicinity of the straight-line signal paths between the N candidate locations and the M measurement locations. Therefore, the candidate predictions of the total path loss A(n,m) comprise two components:

-   -   (i) the free-space path loss, which predicts the attenuation due         to free-space path loss experienced by the hypothetical 2.4 GHz         radio signal as it propagates in a vacuum in a straight line         from candidate location CL(n) to measurement location ML(m), and     -   (ii) the excess path loss, which predicts the attenuation in         excess of the free-space path loss experienced by the         hypothetical 2.4 GHz radio signal as it propagates though a         non-vacuum medium in a straight line from candidate location         CL(n) to measurement location ML(m).         It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this         disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the         present invention in which the model on which the candidate         predictions of total path loss are based comprises fewer         components, more components, or different components.         Furthermore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after         reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative         embodiments of the present invention in which the model on which         the candidate predictions of total path loss comprise components         that predict non-straight-line effects of the radio-frequency         (RF) environment (e.g., the effects of reflection, refraction,         multipath, etc.).

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the candidate prediction of total path loss A(n,m) equals: A(n,m)=FSPL(n,m)+X(n,m)  (Eq. 1) wherein:

-   -   FSPL(n,m) is denominated in dB and is the attenuation due to         free-space path loss experienced by the hypothetical 2.4 GHz         radio signal as it propagates in a vacuum in a straight line         from candidate location CL(n) to measurement location ML(m), and     -   X(n,m) is denominated in dB and is the attenuation in excess of         the free-space path loss experienced by the hypothetical 2.4 GHz         radio signal as it propagates though a non-vacuum medium in a         straight line from candidate location CL(n) to measurement         location ML(m).

Determining FSPL(n,m)—In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the free-space path loss in dB for a hypothetical 2.4 GHz radio signal as it propagates in a straight line from candidate location CL(n) to measurement location ML(m) equals: FSPL(n,m)=20 log₁₀(d(n,m))+20 log₁₀(f)+32.45  (Eq. 2) wherein:

-   -   f is denominated in GHz and is the frequency of the signal, and     -   d(n,m) is denominated in meters and is the straight-line         distance from candidate location CL(n) to measurement location         ML(m).         The straight-line distance d(n,m) from candidate location CL(n)         to measurement location ML(m) is computed using the Pythagorean         Theorem in well-known fashion.

Each of the N·M=833·1,224=1,019,592 values of d(n,m) is calculated on-the-fly by location engine 151, as needed and in well-known fashion. A sample of the values are listed in Table 5, and it will be clear to those skilled in the art how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the remaining values.

TABLE 5 Straight-Line Distance d(n, m) Between Candidate Location CL(n) and Measurement Location ML(m) m = 1 m = 2 m = 1224 (87.5, 72.5, (90.0, 72.5, (112.5, 47.5.5, d(n, m) 1.5) 1.5) . . . 25.5) n = 1 7.1 m 5.6 m . . . 37.1 m (92.5, 67.5, 1.5) n = 2 9.0 m 7.1 m . . . 35.8 m (95.0, 67.5, 1.5) . . .

. . . . . . . . . n = 833 37.1 m  35.8 m  . . .  7.1 m (107.5, 52.5, 25.5)

Similarly, each of the 1,019,592 values of FSPL(n,m) is calculated on-the-fly by location engine 151, as needed and in well-known fashion. A sample of the values are listed in Table 6, and it will be clear to those skilled in the art how to calculate the remaining values.

TABLE 6 Free-Space Path Loss FSPL(n, m) Between Candidate Location CL(n) and Measurement Location ML(m) m = 1 m = 2 m = 1224 (87.5, 72.5, (90.0, 72.5, (112.5, 47.5.5, FSPL(n, m) 1.5) 1.5) . . . 25.5) n = 1 57.0 dB 54.9 dB . . . 71.4 dB (92.5, 67.5, 1.5) n = 2 59.1 dB 57.0 dB . . . 71.1 dB (95.0, 67.5, 1.5) . . .

. . . . . . . . . n = 833 71.4 dB 71.1 dB . . . 57.0 dB (107.5, 52.5, 25.5)

Determining X(n,m)—In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the excess path loss in dB that the hypothetical signal experiences equals: X(n,m)=Σ_(∀k) e(n,k)*d(n,m,k)  (Eq. 3) wherein:

-   -   e(n,k) is denominated in dB per meter and is the candidate         excess path loss per meter for partition k with respect to         candidate location n, and     -   d(n,m,k) is denominated in meters and is the distance in meters         that the hypothetical signal is in partition k as it travels in         a straight line from candidate location CL(n) to measurement         location ML(m).

The N·K=833·833=693,889 values of e(n,k) are determined during optimization in task 603.

The N·M·K=833*1224*833=849,320,136 values of d(n,m,k) are calculated on-the-fly by location engine 151, as needed and in well-known fashion. A sample of the values are listed in Table 7, and the remaining values can be calculated in well-known fashion.

TABLE 7 Straight-Line Distance Between Candidate Location CL(n) and Measurement Location ML(m) in Partition k n, m d(n, m, 1) d(n, m, 2) . . . d(n, m, 883) 1, 1 ≈1.77 m 0.00 m . . . 0.00 m 1, 2 ≈1.39 m 0.00 m . . . 0.00 m . . .

. . . . . . . . .  833, 1224  0.00 m 0.00 m . . . ≈1.77 m 

It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that use a different model on which candidate predictions of total path loss are based. For example, the following references describe and disclose the art and science of RF path-loss models:

-   -   (i) H. N. Bertoni, Radio Propagation for Modern Wireless         Systems, Prentice Hall PTR, 2000; and     -   (ii) 3GPP, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical         Specification Group Radio Access Network; Study on channel model         for frequencies from 0.5 to 100 GHz (Release 15), Valbonne,         France, http://www.3gpp.org, 2018; and     -   (iii) I. Rodriguez et al., An Empirical Outdoor-to-Indoor Path         Loss Model from below 6 GHz to cm-Wave Frequency Bands, IEEE         Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters, 2017,         and are incorporated by reference.

At task 603, location engine 151 determines which candidate location CL(n) is most consistent with the candidate predictions of total path loss A(n,m) and the measurement values MV(m), for all n and m.

To accomplish this, a metric C(n) is generated that quantitatively evaluates the goodness of fit of each candidate location CL(n) to:

-   -   (i) the candidate predictions of total path loss A(n,m), and     -   (ii) a candidate value P(n) of the transmission power of         reference radio 120-3, and     -   (iii) the measurement values MV(m)         for all n and m. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment,         the goodness of fit of each candidate location n is measured by         determining which values of P(n) and e(n,k), for all k, minimize         the value of C(n), where C(n) is defined by the objective         function:         C(n)=Σ_(∀m)(MV(m)−P(n)+A(n,m))²  (Eq. 4)

Of the n candidate locations that are evaluated, the candidate location with the best fit—the lowest value of C(n)—is estimated to be the location of reference radio 120-3. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to determine the values of P(n) and e(n,k), for all k, that yield the minimum value of C(n) using well-known computational optimization techniques (e.g., hill climbing with random restart, genetic algorithms, etc.).

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the minimum value of C(n) and the corresponding values of P(n) and e(n,k), for all n and k, are stored in location engine 151. Table 8 lists a sample of simulated values, including the minimum value of C(n), which is ≈12,085 for n=412.

TABLE 8 Goodness of Fit of Scores Estimated Minimum Transmission Value of Power n C(n) P(n) e(n, 1) . . . e(n, 833)  1 ≈1,290,042 ≈19 dBm ≈0.2 dB/m . . . ≈0.0 dB/m  2 ≈1,280,779 ≈19 dBm ≈0.2 dB/m . . . ≈0.0 dB/m . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . 412   ≈12,085 ≈20 dBm ≈0.1 dB/m . . . ≈0.0 dB/m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461   ≈12,350 ≈20 dBm ≈0.1 dB/m . . . ≈0.0 dB/m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833 ≈14,032,521  ≈14 dBm ≈0.0 dB/m . . . ≈0.0 dB/m It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that use a different objective function than that in Equation 6.

At task 604, location engine 151 processes the results of task 603 and generates:

-   -   (i) generate an estimate of the location of reference radio         120-3, and     -   (ii) generate an estimate of the transmission power of the         downlink control channel radio signal that is transmitted by         reference radio 120-3, and     -   (iii) generate an estimate of the excess path loss for each of         the K partitions, and     -   (iv) an estimate of whether a building exists in the K         partitions, and     -   (v) an estimate of the location of the footprint of the         building, if the building is estimated to exist, and     -   (vi) generate an estimate of the excess path loss for at least a         portion of the building, if the building is estimated to exist,         and     -   (vii) generate an estimate of the nature and location of one or         more architectural features of the building, if the building is         estimated to exist.         Task 604 is described in detail below and in the accompanying         figures. After task 604 is complete, control returns to task         203.

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks associated with task 604—analyzing the results of task 603 and generating the various estimates.

At task 801, location engine 151 generates the estimate of the location of reference radio 120-3 by selecting that candidate location CL(n) that is associated with the smallest value of C(n). Because the minimum value of C(412) is the smallest minimum value of C(1) through C(883), location engine 151 decides that candidate location CL(412) is more likely—based on the available empirical evidence—to be closer to the actual location of reference radio 120-3 than any of the other candidate locations, and, therefore, location engine 151 estimates the location of reference radio 120-3 to be at candidate location CL(412), which is at coordinates (105, 62.5, 13.5).

At task 802, location engine 151 generates the estimate of the transmission power of reference radio 120-3 by selecting the value of P(n) that is associated with the smallest value of C(n). Because the minimum value of C(412) is the smallest minimum value of C(1) through C(883), location engine 151 decides that P(412) is more likely—based on the available empirical evidence—to be the best estimate of the transmission power of reference radio 120-3, and, therefore, location engine 151 estimates the transmission power of reference radio 120-3 to be P(412), which is 20 dBm.

At task 803, location engine 151 generates PV(k), for all k, which are the estimates of the excess path loss per meter in each of the K partitions. Because the minimum value of C(412) is the smallest minimum value of C(1) through C(883), location engine 151 decides that e(412,k), for all k, is more likely—based on the available empirical evidence—to be the best estimates of PV(k), for all k, respectively. In other words, PV(k)=e(412,k), for all k.

Candidate location CL(412) is on the ninth tier of partitions, which is at an elevation of 13.5 meters. Each of the 49 values of PV(k) for the eighth tier are depicted in FIG. 9; each of the 49 values of PV(k) for the ninth tier are depicted in FIG. 10, and each of the 49 values of PV(k) for the tenth tier are depicted in FIG. 11 (all values of PV(k) are simulated data for pedagogical purposes).

At task 804, location engine 151 generates an estimate B of whether a building exists within the area covered by the K partitions. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 has high confidence in some values of PV(k), less confidence in some other values of PV(k), and understands that some values of PV(k) are meaningless. In particular, location engine 151 has high confidence in the values of PV(k) that are associated with those partitions that are intersected by a large number of straight-line paths between the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., partition 412) and a measurement location. In contrast, location engine 151 has low confidence in the values of PV(k) that are associated with those partitions that are intersected by a small number of straight-line paths between the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., partition 412) and a measurement location. And finally, location engine 151 knows that the value of PV(k) that is associated with a partition that is not intersected by any straight-line paths between the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., partition 412) and a measurement location is meaningless. FIG. 18 depicts which partitions along cross section AA-AA are crossed by a straight line between the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 and a measurement location. In FIG. 18, it can be seen that the partitions in Tier 9 are intersected by many lines. In contrast, the partitions in Tier 1 and Tier 17 are not crossed by any lines.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 generates the estimate B of whether a building exists within the area covered by the K partitions by examining the tier of partitions containing the estimated location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., Tier 9 as shown in FIG. 10). If, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, building 141 had a plurality of spatially-diverse reference radios, it is likely that more partitions would have been intersected. Furthermore, if scouting wireless terminal 111 had made measurements above building 141, most of the partitions on the upper tiers would have been intersected.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 generates a candidate footprint of a building for each closed loop of partitions in which each partition exceeds the mean of PV(k), for all k, by 0.5 standard deviations.

Using the values in FIG. 10, the mean of PV(k), for all k, ≈3.70, the standard deviation is ≈2.43, and the mean plus 0.5 standard deviations equals ≈4.91.

By examining the values in FIG. 10, there is one closed loop of partitions in which each partition exceeds the threshold of 4.91 dB/meter. The loop—also known as a candidate footprint of a building—comprises 24 partitions. They are partitions 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400 406, 407, 413, 414, 420, 421, 427, 428, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, and 441, as connected in FIG. 12.

In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the estimate B of whether a building exists equals: B=L/T+L  (Eq. 5) where:

-   -   T equals the mean of PV(k), for all k, ≈3.70, and     -   L equals the mean of PV(k) for the 24 partitions that compose         the candidate footprint of a building, which ≈5.55.         Therefore, the value of B equals ≈0.60 or ≈60%. Because the         value of B exceeds 50%, location engine 151 decides that the         building does, in fact, exist, and location engine 151         designates it as building 141.

As part of task 804, location engine 151 generates an estimate of the location of the footprint of building 141. Because the value of B exceeds 50%, the candidate footprint of a building, as shown by the heavy dark line in FIG. 12, is estimated to be the location of the footprint of building 141. It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that use a different method for generating an estimate B of whether a building exists in the area covered by the K partitions.

At task 805, location engine 151 generates an estimate of the excess path loss for at least a portion of building 141. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 estimates that the excess path loss for the exterior walls of building 141 corresponds to the 24 values of PV(k) that compose the perimeter of building 141. Furthermore, location engine 151 estimates that the excess path loss for the interior of building 141 corresponds to the value of PV(k) for the 25 partitions (i.e., partitions 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 429, 430, 431, 432, and 433) within the perimeter of building 141.

At task 806, location engine 151 generates an estimate of the location of one or more architectural features of building 141. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, location engine 151 performs task 806 by examining:

-   -   (i) the tier of partitions containing the estimated location of         reference radio 120-3 (i.e., Tier 9 as shown in FIG. 10), and     -   (ii) the tier above the tier that contains the estimated         location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., Tier 10 as shown in         FIG. 9), and     -   (iii) the tier below the tier that contains the estimated         location of reference radio 120-3 (i.e., Tier 8 as shown in FIG.         11).

Like task 804, this problem is analogous to many vision-oriented artificial intelligence problems, and it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that use alternative techniques to identify architectural features.

By examining the values of PV(k) on Tier 8, Tier 9, and Tier 10, and their spatial relationship, location engine 151 observes that the center of building 141 comprises three connected partitions—partitions 367, 368, and 369 on Tier 8, partitions 416, 417, and 418 on Tier 9, and partitions 465, 466, and 467 on Tier 10—with very high excess path loss values on all three tiers. From this, location engine 151 estimates that these represent the building core of a modern high-rise building, which building core is usually composed of reinforced concrete and that comprises an elevator shaft and stairwell.

Furthermore, location engine 151 observes that the estimates of excess path loss for Tier 8 are much larger than for Tier 9 or Tier 10, and, therefore, location engine 151 estimates that Tier 8, at 12.0 meters comprises the boundary (i.e., a floor/ceiling) between two floors.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that are capable of estimating the location of one or more architectural features in a building from the values of excess path loss per meter and their spatial relationship.

FIG. 13 depicts a map of a portion of geographic region, which depicts the estimated location of the footprint of building 141, the estimated location of building core 1301, and the estimated location of reference radio 120-3.

FIG. 14 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 after task 202 is performed. The map depicts the location of building 141, reference radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, reference radio 120-3 (as estimated in task 604), the estimated location of the footprint of building 141, the estimated location of interior wall 1201 and room 1202, and location engine 151.

FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart of the subtasks performed in accordance with task 203—generating an estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112.

At task 1501, user wireless terminal 112:

-   -   (i) measures the power of the 800 MHz downlink control channel         radio signal that is transmitted by reference radio 120-1, and     -   (ii) transmits the value of the measurement to location engine         151.         As part of task 1501, location engine 151 receives the         measurement, which in accordance with the illustrative         embodiment is −31 dBm.

At task 1502, user wireless terminal 112 measures:

-   -   (i) measures the power of the 800 MHz downlink control channel         radio signal that is transmitted by reference radio 120-2, and     -   (ii) transmits the value of the measurement to location engine         151.

As part of task 1502, location engine 151 receives the measurement, which in accordance with the illustrative embodiment is −49 dBm.

At task 1503, user wireless terminal 112 measures:

-   -   (i) measures the power of the 2.4 GHz downlink control channel         radio signal that is transmitted by reference radio 120-3, and     -   (ii) transmits the value of the measurement to location engine         151.

As part of task 1503, location engine 151 receives the power, which in accordance with the illustrative embodiment is −47 dBm.

At task 1504, location engine 151 generates an estimate of the location of user wireless terminal 112 based on:

-   -   (i) the known location of reference radio 120-1, and     -   (ii) the known location of reference radio 120-2, and     -   (iii) the estimated location of reference radio 120-3, and     -   (iv) the known transmission power of reference radio 120-1, and     -   (v) the known transmission power of reference radio 120-2, and     -   (vi) the estimated transmission power of the 2.4 GHz downlink         control channel radio signal transmitted by reference radio         120-3, and     -   (vii) the measurement by user wireless terminal 112 of the         locally-averaged signal strength of the 800 MHz radio signal         that is transmitted by reference radio 120-1, and     -   (viii) the measurement by user wireless terminal 112 of the         locally-averaged signal strength of the 800 MHz radio signal         that is transmitted by reference radio 120-2, and     -   (ix) the measurement by user wireless terminal 112 of the         locally-averaged signal strength of the 2.4 GHz radio signal         that is transmitted by reference radio 120-3, and     -   (x) the estimate of the location of the footprint of building         141, and     -   (xi) the estimates of the excess path loss per meter inside of         building 141, and     -   (xii) the estimate of the existence and location of building         core 1301.         It will be clear to those skilled in the art how to make and use         embodiments of the present invention that perform task 1504         using one or more techniques in the prior art (e.g.,         radio-signal pattern matching, radio-signal identification,         etc.). In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the         location of user wireless terminal 112 is estimated to be at         (130, 50, 1.5).

FIG. 16 depicts a map of geographic region 101 as known to location engine 151 after task 203 is performed. The map in FIG. 9 depicts the location of building 141, reference radio 120-1, reference radio 120-2, reference radio 120-3 (as estimated in task 604), the estimated location of the footprint of building 141, the estimated location of building core 1301, location engine 151, and user wireless terminal 112 (as estimated in task 203).

It will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the number of candidate locations is treated as infinite. In such cases the index variable n is recast in terms of the co-ordinates (x,y,z), and task 603 is approached as an optimization problem over a continuous space rather than over a discrete space. In these cases, the goal would be to find the values of (x,y,z) and P(x,y,z) that yield the lowest value of C(x,y,z) (within some margin of error a) for all m measurement values MV(m) as, for example and without limitation, in: C(x,y,z)=Σ_(∀m)(MV(m)−P(x,y,z)+A(x,y,z,m))²  (Eq. 6)

In this case, the values of (x,y,z) that yield the lowest value of C(x,y,z) would be the best estimate of the location of the reference radio, and the associated value of P(x,y,z) would be the best estimate of the transmission power of the downlink control channel radio signal by the reference radio.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one example of the illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving: (i) a first measurement value MV(1) of the locally-averaged signal strength of a radio signal as received at a first measurement location ML(1), wherein the radio signal is characterized by a wavelength λ, and (ii) a second measurement value MV(2) of the locally-averaged signal strength of the radio signal as received at a second measurement location ML(2), and wherein the first measurement location is not equal to the second measurement location; generating: (i) a first candidate location CL(1) of a radio transmitter of the radio signal, and (ii) a second candidate location CL(2) of the radio transmitter of the radio signal, wherein the first candidate location is not equal to the second candidate location; generating: (i) a first candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,1) for a hypothetical radio signal from the first candidate location CL(1) to the first measurement location ML(1), wherein the hypothetical radio signal is characterized by the wavelength λ, and (ii) a second candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,2) for the hypothetical radio signal from the first candidate location CL(1) to the second measurement location ML(2), and (iii) a third candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,1) for the hypothetical radio signal from the second candidate location CL(2) to the first measurement location ML(1), and (iv) a fourth candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,2) for the hypothetical radio signal from the second candidate location CL(2) to the second measurement location ML(2); generating an estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter of the radio signal based on which of: (1) the first candidate location, location CL(1), and (2) the second candidate location CL(2) is more consistent with the first measurement value MV(1), the second measurement value MV(2), the first candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,1), the second candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,2), the third candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,1), and the fourth candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,2).
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving a third measurement value that is evidence of the locally-averaged signal strength of the radio signal at a wireless terminal; and generating an estimate of the location of the wireless terminal based on: (i) the third measurement value, and (ii) the estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter of the radio signal.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to the wireless terminal for use in a location-based application.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to a remote data processing system for use in a location-based application.
 5. The method of claim 2 further comprising: using the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal in a location-based application.
 6. A method comprising: receiving a plurality of measurement values of the locally-averaged signal strength of a radio signal as received at a plurality of measurement locations, wherein each of the plurality of measurement locations is unique, and wherein the radio signal is characterized by a wavelength λ; generating a plurality of candidate locations of a radio transmitter of the radio signal, wherein each of the plurality of candidate locations is unique; generating a plurality of candidate predictions of total path loss, wherein each of the plurality of candidate predictions of total path loss is a candidate prediction of the total path loss for a hypothetical radio signal that propagates between a unique pair of: (i) one of the plurality of candidate locations, and (ii) one of the plurality of measurement locations, wherein the hypothetical radio signal is characterized by the wavelength λ; and generating an estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter of the radio signal based on which of the plurality of candidate locations is most consistent with: (i) the plurality of measurement values, and (ii) the plurality of candidate predictions of total path loss.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising: receiving a measurement value that is evidence of the locally-averaged signal strength of the radio signal at a wireless terminal; and generating an estimate of the location of the wireless terminal based on: (i) the measurement value of the radio signal at the wireless terminal, and (ii) the estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter of the radio signal.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to the wireless terminal for use in a location-based application.
 9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to a remote data processing system for use in a location-based application.
 10. The method of claim 7 further comprising: using the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal in a location-based application.
 11. A method comprising: receiving: (i) a first measurement value MV(1,1) of the power of a first radio signal as received at a first measurement location ML(1), wherein the first radio signal is transmitted by a radio transmitter and is characterized by a first wavelength λ1, and (ii) a second measurement value MV(2,2) of the power of a second radio signal as received at a second measurement location ML(2), wherein the second radio signal is transmitted by the radio transmitter and is characterized by a second wavelength λ2; generating: (i) a first candidate location CL(1) of the radio transmitter, and (ii) a second candidate location CL(2) of the radio transmitter, wherein the first candidate location is not equal to the second candidate location; generating: (i) a first candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,1,1) for a first hypothetical radio signal from the first candidate location CL(1) to the first measurement location ML(1), wherein the first hypothetical radio signal is characterized by the wavelength λ1, and (ii) a second candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,2,2) for a second hypothetical radio signal from the second candidate location CL(2) to the second measurement location ML(2), wherein the second hypothetical radio signal is characterized by the wavelength λ2, and generating an estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter based on which of: (1) the first candidate location CL(1), and (2) the second candidate location CL(2) is more consistent with the first measurement value MV(1,1), the second measurement value MV(2,2), the first candidate prediction of the total path loss A(1,1,1), and the second candidate prediction of the total path loss A(2,2,2).
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: receiving a third measurement value that is evidence of the power of the first radio signal at a wireless terminal; and generating an estimate of the location of the wireless terminal based on: (i) the third measurement value, and (ii) the estimate of the transmission power of the radio transmitter.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to the wireless terminal for use in a location-based application.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising: transmitting the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal to a remote data processing system for use in a location-based application.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising: using the estimate of the location of the wireless terminal in a location-based application. 